Issue #013 | June 21, 2020  

THE SUNDAY CHECK-IN NEWSLETTER

This week I'm sharing tips on how to ask for help (part II of a two part series), an article on how caffeine affects creativity, a poem on perfectionism + more.

Asking for Help as a Creative

Asking for help with shame says 'you have the power over me.' Asking with condescension says 'I have the power over you.' But asking for help with gratitude says 'we have the power to help each other - Amanda Palmer, Musician 

Here's what I understand to be true: people like people who seek their help, advice and guidance. It strokes their egos, and makes you, the asker, appear smarter.

While it's comforting knowing this is a common truth, it doesn't make the act of asking easier. We still have to somehow fight the resistance. 

We still have to open our mouths, and allow the words to flow past our lips.

In last Sunday's newsletter, I wrote about why we find it hard to ask for help. Today is all about how to ask without making things, you know... feel weird. 

Let's dive straight in.

Givers Become the Given

Long before Amanda Palmer won the support of her fans she worked on winning their trust. She gave music away for free, She took time to sign autographs, take photos, talk, listen, show up and respond to her fans. Even when she didn't feel like it. 

To her followers, Palmer was someone who'd given so much of herself. So when the time came for her to call in the favour, her people didn't give it a second thought.

As a society we're governed by the principle of reciprocity: you do something nice for me, I'll do something nice back. For the most part, this rule is well adhered to. And through giving we build trust.

Focus on becoming a giver first. And give consistently, not just as a way to get things in return, but because you genuinely want to help other people.

Know What You Need

Sounds obvious, I know, but sometimes we haven't thought through what we want help with. It's the reason why certain requests for help receive a lacklustre response. 

Just the other day I was in an online forum, and a guy was looking for someone to re-design his logo. A conversation began to unfold between him and another member. It went like this:

"Hi, can someone help me with my logo?"

"Sure, what do you need help with?"

"Well, I got this logo back from my designer, but I'm not happy with it. It needs jazzing up a bit."

"OK, but what do you mean by 'jazzing up a bit'?"

"I'm not really sure. I was hoping for some suggestions."

There are two possible outcomes when it comes to a request like this:

Outcome 1: the guy gets a lukewarm response (if any) to his cry for help. 

Outcome 2: the guy ends up with a jacked up re-design of a logo he'll never use.

It's hard getting the right support if you're not sure of what you want.

Figure out what you need first, then ask for help.

Don't Assume Someone Can't or Won't Help

Not sure they're the right person to approach? Ask anyway. They may know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone who can help.

But if you allow assumptions to prevent you from asking, you'll never know.

Ask the question: "do you know anyone who can help with XYZ?"

Take a Deep Breath and Ask!

I learned this one the hard way - telepathy doesn't work. 

When you're perceived as the 'strong one', the 'responsible one', 'the capable one', you give off vibes that say, "hey, I've got this. I don't need your help today, but thanks." All the while, you're struggling alone. Hoping someone will see past the persona, and lend a hand.

A question I usually ask myself is "how much time could I save if I just ask for help?" That usually gets me out of my head.

The worst that can happen is getting a no. Compare that to struggling alone, and it doesn't seem like such a big deal.

But Be Direct and Specific

Most creators value their time. Me included. So when someone I barely know hits me with "can I pick your brain over a coffee?", it gets me feeling a certain way.

I don't hear hot beverage and a friendly chat. I hear this:

"Hello person I do not know, but would like to know because you seem to know things. You don't realise it yet, but I'm going to hold you hostage for one... maybe two hours while I ransack your brain, and deplete your energy. All for the price of a couple of frappuccinos."

I know that sounds over the top, but my inner introvert goes full-on red flag at the mention of brain picking and the C-word. I don't even drink the stuff.

It's always a good idea to provide a little meat on the bone before suggesting a trek to Starbucks.

Even if the brain picking is to take place over the phone or a Zoom chat, state your needs, and be specific ahead of the call. Pre-qualify whether you're even approaching the best person. It'll save time all round.

Do you need advice on getting a sponsorship deal? Do you want to collaborate on a project? Need feedback on your book or portfolio? Help with growing your audience?

Will this require much of a time commitment? If so how long do you need?

How urgently do you need help? What's your deadline? When do you need a response by?

The more information you can provide, the better.

Accept NO with Grace

A while back, a guy I knew asked for my advice on starting a blog. 

My schedule was tight, but I agreed to help. For one reason or another we couldn't make it work. And his constant demands for my non-negotiable time were starting to drain and annoy me.

I ended up retracting my offer.

Demanding, begging, pleading with someone once they've said no is a huge boundary pusher. It leaves a bad taste in the other persons mouth, making it less likely they'll want to help in the future.

Remember that our priorities aren't other people's priorities.

When someone says no to your request for help, it's not that they're rejecting you. It's that their protecting their time and energy.

Start framing the no's in these terms, and you'll find they sting a lot less.

Pat yourself on the back. At least you mustered up the courage to ask.

And for the love of all things healthy, don't let a no (as long as you've asked graciously) stop you from reaching out in the future.

Ask Again

In the past I've been guilty of assuming that once I received a no, I was never to darken that person's door again. I've since learned, that's not the case.

In fact, research suggests people who've said no the first time are more likely to say yes when you ask the second time.

As long as you've adhered to the tip above.

Say Thank You

But don't over do it. 

Being heavy handed with the 'thank-you's' can make the other person feel weirded out or embarrassed. If you've ever experienced someone thanking you profusely for something you were happy to help with, you'll know what I'm talking about. 

The good thing about asking for help, feedback or advice is that it gets easier the more you do it. It's like building a muscle - it requires practice. 

So figure out what you need help with, and go seek the support you deserve. Yeah, it'll still feel a little uncomfortable, but it beats the consequences of trying to do everything on your own.

Mena x

Mind/Body Reboot

1. A quick breathing exercise to soothe stress:

A simple but effective tool for bringing more calm and focus to your mind.

Read here >> Mind Going a Million Miles a Minute? (Ted Ideas) 

2. Tips for when resistance strikes:

Understand why it feels like such a struggle-bus trying to get yourself to do something you don't want to do.

Read here >> Everything You Need to Know About Resistance and How to Overcome it (Wellbeing)

3. Knowing when to quit:

Sometimes quitting is the right thing to do, but how to you know when you should quit or when you should stick? 

Read here >> How to Know When to Give Up (Scott H Young)

This Week's Cool Finds

A poem on the perils of perfectionism called 'Perfection, Perfection' by Father Kilian McDonnell:

I have had it with perfection.

I have packed my bags,

I am out of here. Gone.

As certain as rain will make you wet, perfection will do you in.

It droppeth not as dew upon the summer grass to give liberty and green joy.

Perfection straineth out the quality of mercy, withers rapture at its birth.

Before the battle is half begun, cold probity thinks it can’t be won, concedes the war.

I’ve handed in my notice, given back my keys, signed my severance check, I quit.

Hints I could have taken: Even the perfect chiseled form of Michelangelo’s radiant David squints, the Venus de Milo has no arms, the Liberty Bell is cracked.

h /t to Molly Strong Heart  - blog where I found the poem    

Need music for your podcast, video or other creative project?

Try Dig ccMixter. It's a music discovery site that grants access to thousands of hours of free music for commercial, as well as non-commercial use.